TO coin a sporting term, Linkin Park have "bottled" it. The nu-metal sensations have taken a great leap sideways with this "if it's not broke, don't fix it" follow-up to Hybrid Theory.

To some extent, you can't blame them when it sold in excess of 13 million copies. However, the winning formula that made Hybrid Theory such a turn-on for young rock fans now sounds tired. The first six songs are barely discernible in terms of their construction. Dual vocalist Mike Shinoda raps a rebellious verse on top of a distorted guitar riff and scratches, before Chester Bennington screams in with the catchy chorus. It is done to perfection on excellent single Somewhere I Belong but less so elsewhere. Breaking The Habit sees the band at last dipping their toe into newer water, and to great effect. Its Eighties pop feel, complete with strings and piano, is a refreshing change and the only evidence of a fresher sound to come.

Updated: 09:27 Thursday, April 03, 2003